LOT 148
1956 Porsche 356A 1600 Speedster Coachwork by Reutter Chassis no. 82141 Engine no. P61129
Estimate: US$300,000 - US$350,000
Lot 148
A desirable early 'A' Speedster
1956 Porsche 356A 1600 Speedster
1956 Porsche 356A 1600 Speedster
1956 Porsche 356A 1600 Speedster
Coachwork by Reutter
Chassis no. 82141
Engine no. P61129
Coachwork by Reutter
Chassis no. 82141
Engine no. P61129
1,582cc OHV Flat 4-Cylinder Engine
2 Solex Carburetors
60bhp at 4,500rpm
4-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Drum Brakes
*The archetypal, unfiltered 1950s sports car
*Presented in India Red over Tan upholstery
*A very early production example, car number 141
*Former AACA award winner, widely eligible for driving events worldwide
*Includes full weather equipment
THE PORSCHE 356 SPEEDSTER
The Speedster's inspiration was often credited to John von Neumann, Porsche's West Coast distributor, who had chopped down a Gmünd-built Coupe in the late 1940s to create a lightweight competition car. Explaining such a car's appeal Neumann once said: 'Guys want to go on a Saturday night in June, down Sunset Boulevard with their elbow over the door and the girls can see them in the car.' Plus ça change...
Instantly recognizable by its low, wraparound windscreen, smaller disappearing top, lower door waistline and twin bucket seats, the Speedster was, in effect, an 'economy' model intended to compete with less-expensive British sports cars. While the Speedster concept was von Neumann's, it was East Coast distributor Max Hoffman who convinced Porsche that American buyers would gobble it up. Initially offered with the 1500cc horizontally opposed four, it gained the new 1600, 60bhp engine with the introduction of the improved 356A for 1955.
Priced at $2,995, the Speedster was the lightest of the 356s, enjoying a commensurate performance boost that meant 100mph was possible. With its superb handling, the Speedster became an instant success in the burgeoning American sports car racing scene. Its combination of style, performance and value for money made the Speedster deservedly popular. Today the model enjoys iconic status and is cherished by collectors.
THE CAR OFFERED
This 'little red Speedster' is a very desirable early A-series car, reported by the consignor to be production number 141. Equipped with the 60bhp 1600 'Normal' engine in the featherweight body, it embodies the purity and focus that has made the Porsche Speedster such a widely beloved sports car from its inception until today.
Restored from its original white to this classic India Red, is a very well-presented example that was reportedly a past AACA participant and award winner. The spartan interior is trimmed in tan which nicely offsets the red paint, with supplemental Cocomats to protect the original floor lining, and a full complement of weather equipment (top and side curtains) included.
The Speedster counts among the most collectible of production 356s, as this charming example so well demonstrates. This car's pre-57 production date ensures broad eligibility for many prestigious driving events worldwide and will surely be just as happy on a vintage rally as it will cruising to your local Cars and Coffee.
Footnotes
Please note, this car is titled under its engine number, P61129.
Additional information
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